By Chris Parker
Addison Berry takes over as head coach of the Reeds Spring volleyball program this year. Berry comes over from Sarcoxie where she was the head coach for the past two seasons.
“(Reeds Spring) is an amazing school district and they really work hard to push their students and athletes both in the classroom and in their athletics,” Berry said.
The Lady Wolves graduated all-state hitter Isabella Fuller, but she was the lone senior who played in a majority of the sets last year.
Amarah Porter and Jade Watson both earned honorable mention all-conference honors last season. Watson, a senior middle, was second on the team in kills with 147. She was first on the team in blocks with 21 and second in serve receptions with 268. Porter, a senior setter, orchestrated the offense with 595 assists.
“(Watson) brings a lot of speed in the middle and we can use that to make our offense faster in the middle and on the pins,” Berry said. “(Porter) is a smart setter and helps push our offense to be better every day.”
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Senior right side Brynn Hogan and junior outside hitter Kennedy Brown are two more returning players who will have an impact.
“(Hogan) is a smart player and can see the court well,” Berry said. “(Brown) is a great all-around player both in the front row and the back row and helps us greatly offensively and defensively.”
Junior middle Riley Sadler will be a new player to watch on the varsity level.
“(Sadler) also brings a lot of speed and movement out of the middle, as well as she is a big block and really helps the back row with her ability to get a block up in the middle as well as out with our pin players,” Berry said.
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Hitting will be a strength for Reeds Spring this year. Getting the ball to those hitters will be something the Wolves need to improve on.
“We have great hitters. They are all very smart at placing the ball and giving an aggressive attack from every position,” Berry said. “Ball control and passing are some of the hardest things to have but also the most important. Being able to have ball control and give a great pass every time is something that will greatly help our team.”
Reeds Spring will open the season on Aug. 28 at the Branson Tournament.
“These girls are very capable of a winning season. The expectation is to win of course, but the main expectation is to make the culture of the group one of hard work and dedication,” Berry said. “Winning will come, as long as all the athletes are on the same page of being dedicated to their team. Which I believe there is no better group of girl to do that.”
